Women's Tennis

Lady Lions Tennis Team downs Newberry Wolves in season opener!

Sep 19, 2018

Franklin Springs, GA – The Emmanuel College Women's Tennis Team opened the 2018-19 season today in a home match with the Newberry Wolves.

Looking for an important point in doubles, the Lady Lions had to battle hard in order to earn it. The visiting team looked great from the very first point and with several chances to take the matches away from Emmanuel. With all matches really tied, everything came down to a very dramatic finish.

On court #2, Kiderlen/Cipriano looked solid but they were facing very aggressive opponents. In a match full of chances from both sides, at 5-5, in a very brave game, especially at the net, the EC duo earned the break and clinched the match by 7-5 with a strong service hold. At the same time, on court #1, Botella/O'Connor were also in a similar situation. With a lot of close games for both teams, the match reached another 5-5. The next two games were nothing short than great for Emmanuel. Not only the EC team was able to put great returns when needed, but also an outstanding combination of serve and volleys for 7-5 victory.

With a lead after the doubles, the lady lions were looking for 3 more points today. The first one came by the hands of the senior Pearllan Cipriano on court #3. After a almost perfect set, Cipriano had to battle on the second and also come back from a deficit. Abusing of more approaches to the net during the points, the Lady Lion clinched the win by 6-1 6-4. Next, on court #5, the Junior Victoria Silva came back from a deficit on both sets with a break down but showing a lot of fighting spirit and very smart tennis from the baseline, Silva was able to overcome the situation for a 6-4 6-4 win. Next, the Junior Maria Raich, on court #4 was looking too solid today. By facing an opponent who was extremely aggressive on the backhand side, Raich was smart enough to play a more consistent game from the baseline, by waiting for her chance to counter-attack. With the combination of smart defense and unforced errors from her foe, Maria clinched the overall match for Emmanuel by 6-3 6-2. Lastly, on court #1, the senior Fantine Botella, faced an extremely talented and aggressive opponent who liked to dictate the point early in the point. Botella not only had to come with a different game strategy but she also had to come back from a 5-2 down on both sets before she earned the last win for the Lady Lions by 7-5 7-5.

This marked the first win for the Lady Lions this season. Coach Darbar added, "it was an important match for us. Not because it was the first event of the season, but mainly due to the fact that we are now playing very different rules in Division II. It was great to see how the girls competed today. We have a different doubles team combination this season, so it was nice to see how everything is shaping up! I am excited to see what the future holds for us!"

Coming up next, Emmanuel will travel to another NCAA Regional Match this coming Saturday, now at the home of the Lincoln Memorial University. First serve is scheduled for 2PM!